The Charlotte Hornets honored franchise icon Dell Curry on Thursday night, March 19, 2026, lifting his No. 30 jersey to the rafters at halftime of a home game against the Orlando Magic.
Curry, 61, became the second player in team history to receive the distinction, joining the late Bobby Phills. Fighting back tears, the Hornets’ first pick in the 1988 expansion draft thanked the crowd inside Spectrum Center. “I can’t explain how grateful, blessed and fortunate I am to be here in this moment,” he told fans.
Family and former teammates on hand
The longtime Hornets television analyst was flanked by his NBA-playing sons, Stephen and Seth, daughter Sydel, wife Nicki, mother Juanita and six grandchildren. Co-chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, president of business operations Shelly Cayette Weston and president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson represented the organization. Former teammates Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues, Glen Rice, Kenny Gattison, Rex Chapman and Tim Kempton sent video messages, as did high school coach Don Londes and broadcast partner Steve Martin.
Career highlights in Charlotte
Curry spent 10 of his 16 NBA seasons with Charlotte, leaving in 1998 as the franchise leader in games played (701), points (9,839) and made three-pointers (929). He still tops the club in games played and ranks second behind Kemba Walker in both scoring and three-pointers. The 1994 NBA Sixth Man of the Year has called the city home for nearly four decades and has served as the Hornets’ television color commentator since 2009.
State recognition and community tribute
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein attended a private pregame reception, presenting Curry with the state’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors. The Hornets also announced a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of America in Curry’s name.
“Dell Curry is synonymous with the Charlotte Hornets,” Schnall and Plotkin said in a statement. “Retiring his jersey is a tribute to everything he has meant—and continues to mean—to this city, this team and the Carolinas.”
The ceremony concluded with Curry addressing the sellout crowd: “You wrapped your arms around me when I was a 24-year-old kid, and you’ve supported me and my family ever since.”
Source: ESPN
